(NaturalNews) Scientists have been astonished by the remarkable health benefits associated with resveratrol. This unique nutrient found in grape skins has a powerful effect on the genetic expression of the mitochondria within every cell. By positively effecting mitochondrial function, resveratrol, has been shown to help in the prevention of cancer, heart disease and other metabolic conditions.

Researchers have been intrigued for years about what has been traditionally called the French paradox. This refers to how many of these native French are able to smoke cigarettes and drink lots of alcohol and still maintain good health. They have looked at the dark, fermented wines these individuals drink on a regular basis.

They have found the active compound in red wine, called resveratrol, has extraordinary health benefits. Resveratrol is a unique polyphenolic anti-oxidant found in the grape skins and seeds and some berries. It plays a critical role in the plant's natural defense system against injury, infection and disease.

Resveratrol and gene expression

Resveratrol has been shown to have an incredible influence on gene expression that has profound anti-aging effects. This mimics the positive benefits of caloric restriction and extends lifespan. Most people are intimidated by extreme caloric restriction and would prefer to get the same anti-aging benefits from an anti-oxidant rich diet and supplements such as resveratrol.

A Harvard study in 2003 found that resveratrol boosted the life span of yeast cells by as much as 70 percent. They then carried the testing out with similar results in roundworms and fruit flies. This made resveratrol the first compound to have anti-aging benefits in a widely divergent species. Italian scientists in 2006 showed that resveratrol could extend life by more than 50 percent in more advanced species of fish.

Resveratrol and mitochondrial health

Resveratrol has been shown to activate a group of mitochondrial proteins in the sirtuin family and in particular (SIRT1). Several studies have shown that this sirtuin activation results in an increased level of mitochrondria in the body. This plays a big role in energy production, fat and sugar metabolism and blood sugar stability. With improved blood sugar the body is better able to regulate insulin and other hormones which reduces inflammation and improves fat burning.

The mitochondria of the cell control the metabolic function of the cell and ultimately the body. Resveratrol's ability to reduce inflammatory stress on the mitochondria and upregulate mitochondrial numbers has an enormous impact on whole body health. Healthy restored mitochondria are significantly more efficient and produce fewer free radicals than older mitochondria.

Proper resveratrol dosages

Supplements should be in the range of 20-100 mg to achieve the same benefits observed in most of these studies on degenerative disease states. The dosage of 20mg daily is appropriate for healthy adults without any significant health history to obtain the beneficial anti-aging gene expression that resveratrol provides. Individuals with advanced cancer should look at getting dosages in the 100-200 mg range.

An ounce of red wine averages around 90 micrograms of resveratrol. This is the 220 times less than the minimal dosage (20 mg) of resveratrol supplementation. A glass of wine is approximately five and a third ounces. At this scale it would take 41 glasses of red wine to achieve the minimal supplemental dosage of resveratrol used in these studies.

About the author:Dr David Jockers is a Maximized Living doctor and owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Georgia where he specializes in functional nutrition, functional medicine and corrective chiropractic care to get to the underlying cause of major health problems.

His website features great articles on natural health and incredible recipes. He is the author of the best-selling book SuperCharge Your Brain - the complete guide to radically improve your mood, memory and mindset. He has over 50,000 active followers on his social media and email newsletter and is a big influencer in the Primal Health movement.

Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance consultations and health coaching to help you beat disease and reach your health goals. For more information got to www.drjockers.com

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